Man United v Newcastle preview
Manchester United will go fifth in the Premier League if they beat Newcastle at home on Friday – but manager Ruben Amorim is making no secret of the impact of losing Bruno Fernandes after the captain was substituted at half-time in their 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa last Sunday.
United’s playmaker has a muscle injury and Amorim explained how the Portugal international’s influence extends beyond creativity.
“At every set-piece, he is the guy who is organising the team,” said Amorim. “He understands every position on the field, he pays attention to every detail.
“When you have a substitution, he is always the guy telling the other guys where they should be.
“I am confident we can win any game. We have some problems but, even without many players, I believe in the team and trust in my players. If we are really focused, we can win.”
Newcastle have won one of their last four league games but are guaranteed eighth place with victory and will rise above their opponents into seventh if they win by more than one goal.
“Consistently winning and putting together winning runs has eluded us this season,” said manager Eddie Howe, adding that he was “really happy” with the “majority” of his side’s 2-2 draw at home to Chelsea last Saturday.
“Statistically, [United] are a lot stronger than last year. They’ve seen a big improvement in their general performances.
“That echoes what you see with your eyes. They’ve been competitive. Attacking-wise, they’ve got some good threats.
“This will be a good, tough game for us. It’s a good chance, at Christmas, to feel the magnitude of these games. The atmosphere will be special.”
Manchester United v Newcastle team news
Casemiro is available after suspension in United’s midfield, where academy prospect Jack Fletcher made his senior debut against Villa, with Kobbie Mainoo injured and centre-back Lisandro Martinez deputising for Bruno.
Centre-backs Harry Maguire (thigh) and Matthijs de Ligt (back) are out with short-term injuries. Midfielder Amad Diallo is with the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, where wideman Noussair Mazraoui is representing Morocco and forward Bryan Mbeumo is playing for Cameroon.
First-choice goalkeeper Nick Pope could return from a groin injury for Newcastle but defenders Dan Burn (ribs/punctured lung), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), Sven Botman (back) and Jamaal Lascelles (knee) remain out injured.
Forward William Osula has an ankle problem and full-back Tino Livramento could be close to a return to training following a knee issue.
“We’re waiting to get full clarification and hoping it’s not serious and he can resume full training quite quickly,” Howe said of Livramento. “Hopefully, it’s good news. There’s a chance.”
Man United v Newcastle predicted line-ups
Manchester United starting XI: Snake Lammens, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Luke Shaw.
Newcastle starting XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Fabian Schar, Malick Thiaw, Emil Krafth, Lewis Hall, Bruno Guimaraes, Lewis Miley, Joelinton, Jacob Murphy, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon
How to watch Man United v Newcastle: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Friday is at 20:00 GMT (15:00 ET / 12:00 PT), with live coverage in the UK on Sky Sports Main Event, Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Ultra.
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Streaming is available on a vast variety of devices via the Sky GO app.
